When first looking for someone to interview regarding this career,I had it in my head that a maxillo-facial and oral surgeon was someone who dealt with plastic surgery. Well, was I wrong!

Dr Ernst D Fischer is a maxillo-facial and oral surgeon. For many years, he has been correcting facial problems and fixing facial injuries. “Working on the face is a difficult area to work in, as there are lots of nerves and blood vessels,” explains Dr Fischer, as he shared this groundbreaking career with SA Career Focus.

As a maxillo-facial and oral surgeon, you can work at a state hospital, private practice or a university. You can earn from R2 million per year to R6 million per year.

“This career is very diverse,” says Dr Fischer. “A maxillo-facial and oral surgeon does facial analysis to determine the problem and how to correct that problem. We deal with minor surgeries, such as the removal of wisdom teeth, and major surgery, such as corrective surgery for trauma after motor accidents or sports injuries. We essentially operate on people’s faces. Sometimes we will do orthognathic surgery and work with orthodontists to fix facial problems.A new speciality is the cleft palate and we work on this as well. We also do implants, plating and sculpting. This is a hyper-specialist career.”

“The pros are that it is a beautiful, satisfying occupation and rectifying facial problems is very satisfying,” says Dr Fischer. “The cons are that, with trauma, you do a lot of night work, you must always

To become a maxillo-facial and oral surgeon, you need to complete a degree in dentistry. After that, you must do your postgraduate degree in Maxillo-facial and Oral Surgery. “Nowadays, the competition is very tight,” says Dr Fischer.

Any personality type will suit this career, and the skills you will need can be obtained on the job, while doing operations. You will have to be able to work well with your hands, sculpt, think laterally and have problem-solving skills.

On an average day, Dr Fischer will have a list of patients for the day. “Throughout the day, I will see patients and have dentists calling regarding other patients that need our help.” For trauma cases, you could be called out at weekends.

“The best thing about the job is the people you deal with, seeing them afterwards and how they have improved, and building friendships with them. The worst thing about the job is the patients who are mutilated, and patients that can’t be helped, even if you are the best.”

Dr Fischer’s advice to the youth of today is, “Try and go on your own. You have to have the ability to work and look after your own situation. You must be prepared to go that extra mile for yourself. If you have talent and will, you will make it. You must be diligent and willing to work hard.” 

Gabrielle Venter